Season Countdown: Less Than Two Weeks To Go

With less than two weeks to go until the start of the 2021 season and excitement building around the new campaign, we're counting down to the first game of the summer by looking back at some of the best batting performances from Hampshire players in recent seasons.

Each day we'll be remembering a standout batting performance, with outstanding individual contributions, superb duo partnerships and personal player milestones from a range of Hampshire players set to feature.

Take a look at today's pick and be sure to check back tomorrow to see the latest 'Season Countdown' addition.

Wednesday 31st March - 8 Days To Go

A sublime 43-ball century from Pakistan star all-rounder Shahid Afridi saw Hampshire storm to an exceptional quarter-final Vitality Blast victory against Derbyshire in 2017, a win which sealed a seventh Finals Day appearance in eight years.

Afridi, opened the batting for the first time in the competition, blasted 17 boundaries on his way to a remarkable century, as James Vince's side posted 249-8 from their allotted overs, eventually winning the game by 101 runs. 

Tuesday 30th March - 9 Days To Go

An unbeaten century from Sam Northeast against former side Kent Spitfires, steered Hampshire to a comfortable 90-run Royal London Cup victory in the opening fixture of their 50-over title defence in 2019.

Northeast led the way as Hampshire posted 310 for 9 before dismissing the hosts for just 220 as Hampshire made the perfect start to defending their crown.

Monday 29th March - 10 Days To Go

Hampshire captain James Vince crunched a sublime T20 century, his maiden hundred in the format, to condemn Worcestershire to a quarter-final competition defeat and secure a record sixth straight Finals Day berth in 2015.

The skipper's unbeaten 107* from just 65 balls saw Hampshire to an imposing first-innings total of 196-4 before bad-light intervened, taking Hampshire to a D/L victory and sealing the knockout victory that would see them return to Edgbaston once again.

Sunday 28th March - 11 Days To Go

Hampshire edged out a high scoring thriller as outstanding centuries from Aiden Markram and Tom Alsop helped secure a thrilling Royal London One Day Cup over Sussex Sharks at the The Ageas Bowl.

Markram struck his first century for the Club with a fantastic knock of 130 from just 87 balls, whilst Alsop recorded his second ton of the competition with a brilliant 124 from 132 balls, as the pair shared a 154-run stand.

Saturday 27th March - 12 Days To Go

A mammoth 262-run partnership between Hampshire duo Aneurin Donald (173) and Ian Holland (143) - a fifth-wicket record stand at the The Ageas Bowl - saw Hampshire dominate their County Championship contest at The Ageas Bowl in 2019.

The pair both recorded maiden Hampshire centuries to help James Vince's side total 539 in their first-innings, smashing an 82-year Club record partnership for the fifth wicket, beating the 235-stand between Gerry Hill and Donald Walker at Portsmouth in 1937.